The Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweaters are no doubt attractive because unlike other special edition sweaters, they are made primarily of wool and cashmere and are typically sweaters in which Polo Bear fans feel the quality justifies the price.
But the question is whether or not they are for you. Before I begin, let me first preface that I’m talking about the knit sweaters, not the fleece or t-shirt Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweaters.
For Lunar New Year, It’s important to know the following. There are 12 zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig
For 2022, this is the Year of the TIGER (which include 2034, 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950 and 1938)
For 2021, this was the year of the OX (which includes 2033, 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949 and 1937)
For 2020, this was the year of the RAT (which includes 2032, 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948 and 1936)
For 2019, this was the year of the PIG (which includes 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947 and 1935)
For 2018, this was the year of the DOG (which includes 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946 and 1934)
So, let’s take a look at a few of the Ralph Lauren New Year sweaters:
Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweater for 2022 (TIGER)
For 2022, the Year of the Tiger, the sweater strays away from the red clothing and features the Polo Bear in all black. Black denim, distressed black jeans, black turtleneck with the Polo Tiger from 1993 right in the center of the turtleneck. With the beige RL on the bottom left.
The sweater is made of wool, with the design in cashmere, wool, camel hair and lambs wool.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Lunar New Year for Women
The ultimate Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year sweater for women (some say it’s 2021, not sure exactly of the year) and because it’s Purple Label, it’s all cashmere and earns its $1,490 pricepoint.
Even the female Polo Bear not only showcases the red and black, but the jacket and shoes are made of calfskin leather. The sweater has the ties and earrings, making this sweater one of the coolest, pricier Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear sweaters out there. There is no Lunar New Year animal featured on this sweater.
Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweater 2021 (OX)
The 2021 sweater featured a different style more for the holidays as you get the RL on the center and the bottom left, Polo Bear sporting a beanie and a holiday sweater with reindeer. The sweater is featured in charcoal heather not plain black. It’s also made of 100% wool, and the design is 71% wool, 13% cashmere, 10% camel hair, 4% lambswool and 2% other fibers.
There is a similar women’s sweater like this, but it’s a Fair Isle Polo Bear Cotton Sweater (and not a Lunar New Year sweater) such as no RL at the center and no beanie. Sporting different pants and brown boots and available in black and white.
Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweater 2020 (RAT)
The 2020 sweater was no doubt divine with Martini Bear wearing a black bow tie, red/black formal jacket with the white rat on the lapel area. The sweater is made of 100% wool. In fact, this year, it was marketed as rich Italian wool and cashmere.
Martini Bear is quite popular and it’s one of the bear’s that tend so sell out quickly. With it being a special edition release for Lunar New Year, this one sold quickly.
And this Lunar New Year version is similar to the Martini Bear Wool Jumper featuring the bear in a tuxedo which celebrated Ralph Lauren’s (the designer) 50th Anniversary. Bloomingdale’s actually sold a hooded sweater but instead of the top being a black jacket, Martini Bear is wearing a tartan jacket.
But Martini Bear is one of the more difficult to find and will be sold out quickly.
Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polar Bear Sweater 2019 (PIG)
The 2019 Lunar New Year Sweater is no doubt suave with the Polo Bear with a red jump suit, a padded black gilet (vest) and the polo crest right in the center and the polo signature logo on his pants. This bear knows how to accessorize, with the gold framed sunglasses and gold watch. There is no pig featured in this design but its no doubt one of the cooler sweaters.
So, for the most part, Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year sweaters are special in the fact that its pretty much the only way to get 100% wool Polo Bear sweaters (although there are a few polo bear sweaters that are released with 100% wool).
In the US, they typically hit Macy’s online shop first (A few years ago, you would see them on other online shops) but when they do make it to the RalphLauren.com website, it’s typically sold so quickly that only a few sizes are left available. So, if you see it on the Macy’s shop, act fast, because they are low in quantity.
With 2022 coming up in a few days, I do find it interesting that the Year of the Tiger features a different kind of Polo Bear, without the red. But I think it’s something different to kick of 2022, in a different direction and it does feature another popular Ralph Lauren animal character, the Ralph Lauren Tiger. So, to have both the bear and tiger together is unique. I will have a review in 2022.
Personally, the 2019 and 2020 Lunar New Year sweaters are awesome looking sweaters but like any special edition sweaters, once they are sold out, they are sold out and are hard to find. And if you plan to buy them online via an auction from a seller, expect to pay nearly (or over) double the price.
